August 2013 Beauty Essentials

August was a bit of a whirl wind month for me. I had a hectic few weeks between starting back college, doing loads of courses and just generally trying to have a life. So when I was reaching for products this month I was either looking for something quick and handy that I knew would do the job or something more luxurious that would make me feel all "awwwwhhh" inside.

Lets start with bodycare......
I wear fake tan alot but hate the thought of it clinging to my dry patches. To avoid this I use body scrubs religiously. Up to this month I had a few favourites but I was never 100% happy with them. Then I was introduced to Cocoa Brown's Tough Stuff which blew my mind. This comes in a sachet and honest to god it will get rid of any stubborn tan while at the same time removing any dead skin....all you are left with is glowing baby soft skin. It's a new must have for me and at €2.99 per sachet why would you not want this in your bathroom cabinet? Oh and it's pink!! You can read my full review on Tough Stuff right HERE!

Pic from Tesco.ie

After a full body exfoliation I love to slather myself with a really rich, beautiful smelling body cream. I found a new one in August which is to die for. It's called Flower Pharm Orange Flower Body Butter and I found mine in Tesco for €5.99 for a big 300ml tub. The texture is rich but its not too rich that it won't soak into your skin. I never have a problem with it rubbing on to clothes or anything, even if I get dressed straight after. I usually apply this in the morning and still in the evening time my skin would be well moisturised. It also smells divine. I believe the fragrance is Neroli which I have discovered recently is one of my all time favourite scents. It also has coconut oil, sweet orange and chamomile essential oils so it is bound to be very nourishing for the skin. The scent lingers throughout the day but it is in no way overpowering. It reminds me of the really nice oils spa's use for massages....Ah Bliss.

Pic from michaeltoddtrueorganics.com

I am all about Body this month and another product I was loving in August is the Michael Todd Pink Grapefruit Body Lotion. This is very different to the Flower Pharm butter. This is much more lightweight in texture but yet it is still so hydrating. I loved this for sunny days. I applied it after sun exposure for a refreshing boost to the skin. The scent reminds me of a milkshake for some reason. Really does smell good enough to eat. You can purchase this HERE and I would recommend checking out some of their skincare while you are there. Its so reasonable and I love it. 

L'oreal is becoming one of my go to brands the last while. I never really used the brand alot in the past but they have come up trumps with their recent releases. I am only obsessed with their new hair care line. Anyone I have spoken to feels the same. They do an entire range for all different hair types. I have curly hair which can get dry and frizzy so I choose the Ever Sleek range and I really can notice a difference. My curls are more defined, less fuzzy and the best thing is if I wash my hair and style it I don't need to fix my hair during the day because it doesn't get unruly like it does with other products. Definitely check this out if you are in the market for new hair care. It's a must try. I just repurchased some a few days ago and they were on special in Boots (2 for €12)!

Another L'Oreal product I am in love with for the last while is the Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Water. This is basically a cleansing water that will remove even stubborn mascara but is very gentle on the skin. Check out my full review HERE. Let's just say I had a slight panic attack when I realised this had run out and I didn't have a backup....does that tell ya something hey???? Again this on special in Boots at the moment for around €4.50 (or maybe a little less).

Ok...so now let's get on to makeup. 


I started off the month of August saying I wasn't going to buy any new products....that I was going to use up what I had..... Did not and never will happen!!! 

I am shade 180 Sand Beige with no/slight tan

But with my good intentions came me searching through my makeup collection trying to find products that I only used a little bit or ones that I have loved in the past that would be fun to try again. So I came across my Revlon Colour stay foundation. This was a firm fav of mine for many years and I still do love it but have really gotten back into using it the past while. I do have to say though that I think the Normal to Dry skin formula is streets ahead of the Oily/Combo skin one. No matter what skin type you are I would recommend the Normal to Dry type because it will still last all day (if you are really oily make sure to set with powder) but it just gives a much nicer finish than the Oily/Combo one. The last time I bought the foundation I used it for a day and hated it and its because it was the oily version. Its just not as nice. Overall, I adore the coverage this foundation gives without looking cakey and I love that it really does last on me all day long. This is a cult favourite amongst makeup artists and it will be one that I will always go back to when I need something long wearing and reliable. There are however two downsides to this product. I HATE the packaging. It doesn't have a pump so you have to pore the product onto your hand which means that if you spill out too much you are wasting your product....Revlon should really sort this out. Also I do feel its a little on the pricey side. Its around €18 which isn't expensive for a higher end brand but when its sold next to Rimmel and Maybelline it does seem over priced. Although I would like to add that it is well worth every cent because it really does do the job well.

Image from www.sarahgcosmetics.com

For my eyes, bronzer and cheeks this month I have really only reached for one product and that is the Sarah G Cosmetics Face Kit Palette. I won't go into too much detail on this because I plan to do a full in-depth review on my purchases from this line very soon. In a nut shell I love this palette, its convenient, easy to use, great pigmentation and very reasonably priced for the quality and amount of product that you get. You have everything you need for face and eyes in this little gem so it is amazing for reaching for in a hurry or carrying with you on the go. I am really glad I have added this to my collection so stay tuned for my full review very soon. 

Shade 010 Dating Joe Black

The Sarah G Palette does have a lovely dark grey/black colour that can be used to line the upper lash line but if you want a more defined look or want that sought after winged eye liner then I have found your new best friend. The very inexpensive brand Catrice have in my opinion the best liquid eyeliner. Its simply called Liquid Liner and its in the shade 010 "Dating Joe Black". The brush on this is so fine it allows you to create a very neat and precise line without getting it all over your face. I find this so easy to use and do believe that it would be perfect for beginners and for under €4 its a steal. Catrice is available in some pharmacy's and also alot of Dunnes and Penney's stock this brand. I would highly recommend giving this a go if you have wanted to master liquid liner but haven't been able to. 

Left Vegas volt alone..Right with Decoderm gloss over it

While I was in London at IMATS I bought a beautiful Mac lipstick called Vegas Volt. Its a bright orange coral type colour. I love how it just wakes up my complexion and adds a pop of colour to my face without looking OTT. This colour is part of the Amplified range of lipsticks which means that it has a really opaque finish, vibrant colour and is long wearing. Usually I need to topup every 3-4 hours depending on how much action my lips have gotten that day. If I want to add some gloss to this lipstick I am loving it paired with the Decoderm 3D Magnificent Gloss in shade 03. This just adds another dimension to the lipstick. I love this look. You can read my full review of some of the Decoderm range HERE.

Pic from www.eyeslipsface.co.uk

My final product this month is not a makeup item but is definitely makeup related. Its the e.l.f Daily Brush cleaner. This is great for spot cleaning your makeup brushes on days when you don't have time to give them a full on clean. Its anti bacterial so I find it great for cleaning the brushes which I use on my face so that I don't spread acne or bacteria around my face. I use this everyday on my foundation and concealer brushes and it gives me peace of mind that my brushes are clean even when I am in a hurry. This is so reasonably priced at less than €5 for a 60ml bottle. I have used this for a very long time and will continue to repurchase.

Well that's all my favourites for this month. I hope you enjoyed them and find my recommendations helpful. If you love or hate any of the products above please let me know or if you have any products which you have been loving during the month please say as I am always on the hunt for new things to try. Have a wonderful day and talk to you all soon xxxx

My recent Boots Haul

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all enjoying your weekend so far. I know I am. Before I head off into the land of study I thought I would do a little post on my recent trip to boots and let you know what products I picked up. I originally went over to get some hair products and came back with much more than I expected to or could afford but thats the joys of being a beauty addict I guess.

In this post I will only let you know what I bought but if you want a review on any of them please let me know and I will definitely do one or if I like them enough you may see them in a future favourites post.

A picture of everything I purchased (sorry about the picture, its pretty awful). 

So here is a list of the goodies I bought:

• Umberto Giannini Flirty Curls Scrunching Jelly 
• Umberto Giannini Shapely Curl Mousse (I have curly hair incase you didnt guess)
• Balmi Lip Balm in Mint (in love with this stuff already)
•  No 7 Eye Makeup Remover
• Dr Jart ++ Water Fuse Beauty Balm
• Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Intense Moisture Mask
• Una Brennan Tea Flower Deep Clean Pore Purifying Clay Mask
• Clinique all about eyes Rich
• Clinique High Impact Mascara Black

Clinique also had a gift with purchase on so I got a beautiful bag with loads of lovely goodies in it. I was looking for an eyecream and when I seen that the gift had some great products in it I decided I would buy another product and get the gift free (as you do). The gift came with:

• Rinse off Foaming Cleaner
• Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
• All about eyes (normal formula)
• Quickliner for Eyes Intense Eyeliner
• Mini High Impact mascara
• Chubby Stick Moisturising lip colour balm (the main reason I wanted this gift)
• 
  

I have tried some of the products out from this haul but not all of them. I would love to hear your thoughts on any of the above products and please let me know if you would like a review on any of them. Have a great weekend everyone...xxxx

My February 2013 Favourites

Hello There,
So I have kept my new years resolution and am trying LOTS of new makeup and beauty products. During February I tried a fair few products, both brand new products and some I have tried before and just gave them another go in February. This post is all about the products I loved most and products I would recommend. I hope you enjoy

The First Product I am in love with is the L'oreal Expert Intense Repair Shampoo for Dry Hair. I don't necessarily have dry hair but I do tend to get frizzy hair as my hair is naturally curly. I bought this at Christmas time and I have to say it is amazing. I have seen a really big difference in my hair and have had alot of compliments. I feel it really does hydrate my hair without weighing it down so it allows my curls to stay bouncy. I know some people do not believe in spending money on expensive haircare but I recently have become a firm believer in good haircare. You just cant beat it. I also got the mask in the same range and this is great. I use it as a normal conditioner and if I want a more intense treatment I leave it in for longer. These products smell amazing and really have given my hair great body and nutrients.

Next up is the Sigma Mrs Bunny Essential Brush Kit. I use this kit everyday and love it so much. For my full review please check out my review in my product reviews.

I always love a fresh peach glow to the skin in Spring/Summer. So I decided I would get ahead of the game and try the Benefit Coralista. This product is around for a few years now but I never tried it before now. I had read so many great reviews on this product and so I decided to give it a go. I have to admit I wasn't disappointed. The minute I opened the box the beautiful sweet smell hit me and I was sold. Then it got better when I tried the product. It gives me the most amazing "glow from within" look that is very hard to find in a product. It is a little pricey at €34 but you get ALOT of product and it really is worth the splurge!

I have always suffered with dark circles and blemishes(sometimes really angry acne) so I am always searching for a great under-eye concealer and a blemish concealer but I never expected to find the two products in one as usually you need a light consistency for under the eye and a thicker one for covering redness and blemishes. However, I do think I found it in this product. Its great for under the eye area as it gives you great coverage but doesn't sit in fine lines. The product is just as good for covering blemishes, it has a great thick consistency but one that spreads evenly. It seems Revlon have made another great base product. I just love this brand!!!
I am not currently using this for my under eye area as I am road testing something else at the moment but I have used it and use it on clients and it stays put all day and night and doesn't crease like so many other products(even high end ones). I am using this everyday for blemishes though and it has become my holy grail blemish concealer. Its around €10.99 so it is very reasonable especially if you use it for both areas.

I am an addict when it comes to black liner. The blacker the better I say. I love the intensity of gel and liquid liners but as I am up early every morning I don't have time or energy to apply these products perfectly. I have been using pencil liner for years now and have loved Avon's Supershock Gel Liner for many years. I have tried many high end brands and nothing comes close to this product. It comes in a pencil which means it is extremely easy to apply. This stuff literally glides across the eye and the finish is exactly like a gel liner(just like the name suggests). I can 100% verify that this product doesn't smudge as I often wear it for 15 hours at a time. I mostly wear it on my top lash line and would wear it on my waterline on nights out and it has NEVER let me down. I think the full price of this is under €8 but its almost always on special offer in the Avon catalogue.

Every Christmas I get the big Soap and Glory gift set as a present. When I received it this year I was slightly disappointed when I seen there was a mascara in it so I left it in my drawer until the beginning of February when I decided to give it a go. I have to say I was amazed by this product. I love the way it makes my lashes look. It gives me loads of volume and length and doesn't clump or flake which is exactly what you want from a mascara. The wand is quiet thick (reminds me of the Diorshow mascara) which is great for coating your upper lashes but requires control to apply to the bottom lashes so be careful when doing this. Also the product does tend to try out quick as I feel I need a new one and am not using it that long. However, all that said its a fantastic mascara and I will definitely be repurchasing this.

I have used the e.l.f brow kit for ages now and when MUA had a 50% sale on I decided I would try some (or alot) of their products and this was one of the products I definitely wanted to try. This kit contains a light and dark brow colour, a wax and a highlighting shade. It also contains a mini dual ended brush and a mini tweezers. I use the dark brow colour everyday and its a perfect match for my eyebrows. If I am having a "no makeup day" I will use the lighter brow colour(would also be great for blondes). I also set my brows everyday with the wax. The powder is so pigmented and soft and glides on effortlessly but has amazing staying power. When combined with the wax your brows will stay in place all day long. I don't like the highlight colour as I feel it is way too dark to higlight so I dont use this. I dont use the brush either but I have tried it and its a really dense brush which is ideal for perfecting your brows. I really like the little tweezers. For such a small tool it does a great job. This kit is only £3.50 so you really cannot ask for more. I have tried many high end brow products and this one tops them all. A definite stable in my makeup kit from now on!!

The last of my Feb Fav's is another MUA product. Its the Love Hearts Lip Balm in Sweet Kiss. This Lipbalm is so nourishing to the lips but it also has a really beautiful finish and sheer colour which lasts for a very long time. If I don't want a really glossy lip I use this over my lipstick or on its own and I love the look it gives. It also tastes amazing which is always a plus!! I will have to try the other balms in this range. They are only £2.00 which is an absolute bargain for such a cool, fun and great product. 

So that's all my favourites for Feb 2013. I have already started to test new products and will continue to do so throughout March so stay tuned for some more product reviews during March. If you have any questions or would like me to do a more indepth review on any of the products mentioned above (or any other products) please let me know. Thanks a mill everyone and chat to you all soon xxxx